Blacksmithing workshop with Joe Tyler

Ref: S1D38081

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About this course

If you're a beginner or have blacksmithing experience, this workshop day is suitable for you. West Dean runs a Blacksmithing course with Joe Tyler on the first Saturday of every month, so it's perfect for beginners, building upon your existing skills or working on larger projects over multiple courses.

Course Description

Learn basic blacksmithing or expand on your blacksmithing skills in this one-day workshop.

From simple to ornate items, to skills such as joinery and function, this course gives you the opportunity to have an insight into the craft or improve what skills you already have.

For beginners, this course will teach you fundamental basics that you will use to make items that will last forever.

For those who already have basic skills, this course can help you progress with areas such as traditional and modern joinery, fire welding and tool making.

We run a Blacksmithing course with Joe Tyler on the first Saturday of every month! So you can book on to additional courses to build on your skills or work on larger projects. 

Course Materials

Included

All fuel costs and mild steel stocked by the College Leather aprons, welding gauntlets, goggles, welding helmets and ear defenders can be borrowed from the Forge.

What students need to bring

You will need to wear clothing suitable for workshop use, together with steel toe capped boots. Please note that cotton or wool clothing is preferable to nylon or other synthetics. Shorts do not provide necessary protection. For your safety, it is mandatory to wear steel toe capped safety boots when undertaking a course in the Forge. You must provide your own footwear and bring it with you to wear on the course. If you fail to bring suitable footwear, you will not be able to take part in the course. Safety boots can be purchased from most tool hire shops and builders’ merchants, as well as online.

You must wear goggles (provided) and suitable protective clothing for this course. Leather aprons, welding gauntlets, goggles, welding helmets and ear defenders can be borrowed from the Forge, or you can bring them along if you have them. If, for example, you have particularly large or small hands, your own leather work gloves are likely to be a better fit.

Available to buy

Available from shop:

  • General art materials

Additional information

Please note: This course will be in the Forge, which is a ten-minute walk from the main house through the walled garden or can be accessed by car. You should arrive by 8:50am for registration at the Main House to ensure that you can walk/be directed over to the forge at 9:05am for a 9:15am start.

Classes are from 9:15am – 5pm. As this course is held in the Forge, morning coffee and afternoon tea will be held in the nearby Carrington Studio.

Please note that tutor supervision is always required when you are working in the Forge.

Timetable

Student registration: 9.15am - 9.30am
Course teaching: 9.30am - 5pm
Morning session: 9.30am - 1pm
Lunch break: 1pm - 2pm*
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5pm
Teaching finishes: 5pm

*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options

General Information

Tutors

Joe Tyler - Tutor at West Dean College

Joe Tyler

Joe Tyler trained at the National School of Blacksmithing, Herefordshire. Joe’s interests lie in history, especially ancient crafts, and all types of metal work from historical and traditional to contemporary. 
Joe carries out demonstrations and talks all year round in various locations across the UK on blacksmithing in the Saxon period as well as modern blacksmithing techniques. 

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Interested in a career in metalwork?

Our Foundation Degree in Metalwork will enhance your employment prospects, give you the skills to set up as a self-employed craftsperson or allow you to continue to higher education. Encompassing both silversmithing and blacksmithing, you will learn practical skills, material properties, placing your work in a broader context and historic metalworking techniques. Find out more